Pakistan commentator Sana Mir’s Kashmir remark during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup has triggered a heated debate at a time when India–Pakistan cricket relations remain highly strained. The former Pakistan women’s captain, now part of the tournament’s commentary panel, referred to batter Natalia Pervaiz as being from “Azad Kashmir” during Pakistan’s clash against Bangladesh in Colombo—an expression that immediately drew criticism on social media.
“A lot of these players are new, Natalia comes from Kashmir… Azad Kashmir but has played most of her cricket in Lahore,” Mir said on air while discussing the batter’s background.
Pervaiz, who represents Pakistan internationally, hails from Bandala in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The remark has led to calls for the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene. However, both bodies have yet to issue any official response.
The timing of Mir’s reference is particularly sensitive. Just days earlier, the India–Pakistan rivalry was overshadowed by multiple controversies during the Asia Cup. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian men’s team refused customary post-match handshakes with Pakistani players, with Surya stating that the side was “aligned with the government and the BCCI.”
Tensions further escalated when India declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and is known for his anti-India stance.
Now, the BCCI is expected to raise Mir’s comment in the upcoming ICC meeting scheduled for November. In line with the men’s team’s stance, the Indian women’s team is also set to skip handshakes with Pakistan during their World Cup fixture on October 5 in Colombo.
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